Courses for 2009-2010
Below are the undergraduate and graduate level courses currently offered in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences. Note that some courses are offered every other year. See the Cornell Courses of Study for further offerings.
CSS 2110 Field Crop Systems
Fall. 4 credits. Prerequisite: None. Lec M W F 10:10-11:00. Lab M 1:25-4:25. Two to four field trips during lab periods (until 5pm or on weekends). R.L. Obendorf.
Principles of field-crop growth, development and maturation, species recognition, soil and climatic adaptations, tillage systems, liming and mineral nutrition, cropping sequences, management systems, nutrition and health, and crop improvement are considered. Grain, protein, oil, fiber, biofuel and forage crops are emphasized. Laboratory utilizes living plants, extensive crop garden, and computer simulation.
Fall. 4 credits. Prerequisite: introductory course in biology or botany. Lec, T R 10:10-11:25; lab, T or W 1:25-4:25. A. DiTommaso.
Examines principles of weed science. Emphasizes (1) weed biology and ecology; (2) weed-management strategies used in agricultural and natural ecosystems; and (3) chemistry of herbicides in relation to effects on plant growth and the environment. Hands-on laboratory sessions cover weed identification and ecology, crop-weed interactions, herbicide application, selectivity, and symptomology.
CSS 3170: Seed Science and Technology (also HORT 3170)
Fall. 3 credits. Prerequisite: BIOPL 2410 or equivalent. Lec, R 11:40-12:55; lab, R 1:25-4:25. Two all-day field trips are scheduled during semester. Offered alternate years. Next offered 2011-2012. A.G. Taylor,
The principles and practices involved in the production, harvesting, processing, storage, testing, quality management, certification, and use of high-quality seed from improved cultivars. Information is applicable to various kinds of agricultural seeds. Hands-on laboratory experience.
CSS 4030: Traditional Agriculture in Developing Nations (also IARD 4030)
Fall. 1 credit. S-U grades only. Lec, W 8:00 - 8:50. P. Hobbs
Half the world's arable land is farmed by traditional farmers who have produced food and fiber for millennia with few outside inputs. Many of these practices are forgotten but some are still used by farmers in developing countries. This course examines the pros and cons of some of these traditional systems.
CSS 4050: Field Crop Systems
Fall. 4 credits. Prerequisite: None. Lec M W F 10:10-11:00. Lab M 1:25-4:25. Two to four field trips during lab periods (until 5pm or on weekends). R.L. Obendorf.
Principles of field-crop growth, development and maturation, species recognition, soil and climatic adaptations, tillage systems, liming and mineral nutrition, cropping sequences, management systems, nutrition and health, and crop improvement are considered. Grain, protein, oil, fiber, biofuel and forage crops are emphasized. Laboratory utilizes living plants, extensive crop garden, and computer simulation. Lab report and term paper on contemporary field crop systems required.
CSS 4130: Physiology and Ecology of Yield
Spring. 3 credits. Prerequisite:coursework in plant physiology or molecular biology or biochemistry, or advanced plant science. Lec, M W F 12:20-1:10. T. Setter.
Study of processes involved in the conversion of solar energy into harvested plant products and environmental constraints on crop productivity. Topics include photosynthesis and essential processes that utilize photosynthetic energy, including nitrogen assimilation, phloem translocation and partitioning; canopy-scale influences on solar radiation use efficiency; regulation of growth processes in leaf, root, and floral/fruit/grain sinks in response to environment; seed and fruit set; water transport and stomatal regulation; root architecture and function, and behavior in water-limited situations. Examples will be from the full spectrum of crops and model-plant systems. Students will develop an ability to identify processes that could be improved through optimization of crop cultural practices or genetic change.
CSS 4140: Tropical Cropping Systems: Biodiversity, Social and Environmental Impacts (also IARD 4140)
Fall. 3 credits. Prerequisite: introductory crop science or soil science or biology course or permission of instructor. Lec, T R 8:40-9:55. Lab R 1:25-2:40 P. Hobbs.
Characterizes and discusses traditional shifting cultivation; lowland rice-based systems; upland cereal-based systems; smallholder mixed farming including root crops and livestock; plantation fruit and oil crop systems; and agroforestry. In addition to species diversity and domestication, factors such as climate, land quality, soil management, land tenure, labor, and markets are considered. Evaluates the impact of tropical cropping systems on the environment.
CSS 4260: Practicum in
Fall. 2 credits. Lab, W 1:25-4:25. K.W. Mudge, L.E. Buck, and P. Hobbs
For description, see HORT 4260.
CSS 4440: Integrated
Fall. 4 credits. Prerequisites: biology course or permission of instructor. Next offered Fall 2011. Lec, M W F 9:05-9:55; Lab, M 1:25-4:25 J.E. Losey and A. DiTommaso.
For description, see ENTOM 4440.
CSS 4551-4555: Mineral Nutrition of Crops and Landscape Plants (also HORT 4551-4555)
Spring. 5 modules, 1 credit each. Prerequisite: CSS 260 and BIOPL 242, or equivalent. Lecs, M W F 9:05; lab, R 1:30-4:00. Offered alternate even years. H.C. Wien and staff.
For description, see HORT 4551-4555.
CSS 6080: Water Status in Plants and Soils
Fall. 1 credit. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. S-U grades only. Lec R 1:25-2:15, Lab R 2:30-4:25. Offered alternate odd years. T.L. Setter.
Covers techniques for field appraisal of the status of water in plants and soil, including methods used in physiological studies, such as the psychrometer, pressure chamber, gas exchange analyzer, and abscisic acid analysis with ELISA.
CSS 6100: Physiology of Environmental Stresses
NOT OFFERED THIS YEAR. Fall. 3 credits. Prerequisite: course work in plant physiology and/or plant molecular biology or permission of instructor. MWF 1:25-2:15. Offered even numbered year. T. Setter
Study of the responses of plants to environmental stresses, including drought, high temperature, salinity, chilling, freezing, hypoxia, and toxic elements. Emphasizes the physiological and biochemical basis of injury and plant resistance mechanisms at the whole-plant, cellular, and molecular levels.]
Fall. 3 credits. Prerequisite: plant physiology course or permission of instructor. T R 8:40-9:40. R.L. Obendorf.
Describes the molecular, biochemical, physiological, environmental, and genetic regulation of seed development, maturation, and germination events, including the deposition and mobilization of seed reserves with illustrations from the world's major food and feed seeds. Illustrations extend the principles to practical situations, industrial uses, and food systems for improved health.
CSS 6140: Weed Ecology and Management
NOT OFFERED THIS YEAR. Spring. 3 credits. Prerequisite: CSS 3150 or equivalent. Lec, T R 10:10-11:25. Offered alternate years. Next offered 2010-2011. A. DiTommaso.
Examination of plant ecological principles governing weed population dynamics and weed-crop competitive interactions in different crop and noncrop ecosystems. Explores the application of these fundamentals for the development and implementation of environmentally sound and sustainable integrated weed management strategies. Topics include seed biology and seedbank dynamics, weed demography and spatial variation, weed-crop interference, invasive weed biology, biological weed control, and site-specific weed management.
CSS 6420: Plant Mineral Nutrition (also BIOPL 6420)
NOT OFFERED THIS YEAR. Spring. 3 credits. Prerequisite: BIOPL 3410 or equivalent. Offered alternate years. Next offered 2010-2011. Lec, M W F 10:10-11:00. O. Vatamaniuk, L.V. Kochian, R.M. Welch.
For description, see BIOPL 6420.
CSS 6941: Special Topics in Crop Science
Fall or spring. 1-6 credits. Optional grading. Instructor TBD..
Study of topics in crop science that are more specialized or different from other courses. Special topics to be offered depend on staff and student interests.
CSS 7910: Graduate-Level Thesis Research in Crop Science
Fall or spring. Credit TBA. S-U grades only. Times TBA. Graduate faculty.
Thesis research for Ph.D. students before A exam has been passed.
CSS 8900: Master's Level Thesis Research in Crop Science
Fall or spring. Credit TBA. S-U grades only. Times TBA. Graduate faculty.
Thesis research for M.S.candidates.
CSS 9910: Doctoral-Level Dissertation Research in Crop Science
Fall or spring. Credit TBA. S-U grades only. Times TBA. Graduate faculty.
Dissertation research for Ph.D. candidates after A exam has been passed.
Environmental Information Science (EIS) Courses:
CSS 3970: Environmental Microbiology (also BIOMI 3970)
Spring. 3 credits. Prerequisite: BIOMI 261 or BIOMI 2900, recommended BIOEE 2610, NTRES 3030 or permission of instructor. Offered alternate even years. Next offered 2011-2012. Lec, M W F 10:10-11:00. E.L. Madsen.
Discusses the biology, behavior, and function of microorganisms in natural environments in relation to past and present environmental conditions on Earth. Also considers the role of microorganisms in ecologically and environmentally significant processes through discussion of specific topics such as elemental cycles, nutrient cycling, transformation of pollutant chemicals, wastewater treatment, and environmental biotechnology.
CSS 4100: The GMO Debate: Science and Society
Spring. 3 credits. Prerequisite: BIOG 1109 or equivalent. Lec, M W 2:55-4:10. J. Thies and P. Hobbs
Biotechnology is causing global changes in agricultural production systems. Social movements have arisen to contest the adoption of transgenic or genetically modified organisms. Students will assess the science behind this debate and examine the interplay between science, society, and politics. We introduce the history of the GMO debate, how GMOs are developed, and their potential impacts on agriculture, the environment, and the food system. Social movements contest deployment of biotech products on grounds of food sovereignty, intellectual property, social justice, and environmental and human health concerns. Scientific evidence is used in a variety of ways in these debates. We integrate concepts from diverse fields to promote understanding of how the use of scientific evidence in social and political contexts impacts the assessment of agricultural biotechnologies.
CSS 4110: Environmental Information Science (also CEE 4110)
Spring. 3 credits. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Lec, M W 9:05-9:55; lab, M R 1:25-4:25. S. DeGloria/S. Hoskins.
Survey of geo-spatial data and information applied to the science of natural and environmental systems. Experiential approaches emphasize use and integration of maps, spatial databases, aerospace imagery, field data, and the global positioning system (GPS) to discriminate, measure, inventory, and monitor agricultural and environmental resources and processes.
CSS 4200: Geographic Information Systems
Fall. 4 credits. Prerequisite: CSS 4110, equivalent, or permission of instructor. Lec, T R 9:05-9:55; Lab, M W R F 1:25-4:25 or T 10:10-1:10. S. DeGloria.
Principles and applications of geographic information systems for the characterization and assessment of agronomic and environmental resources. Emphasizes methods for accessing, updating, analyzing, and mapping spatial data and information. Considers needs assessment, coordinate systems, database design and maintenance, data transformations, and map accuracy assessment.
CSS 4650: Global Positioning Systems
NOT OFFERED THIS YEAR. Spring, 3 hours/wk. 1 credit. Prerequisite: CSS 411 or CSS 420, or equivalent, or permission. Lec, F 9:05-12:05. S. DeGloria.
Introduction to navigation-grade GPS instruments used in agricultural and environmental science. Topics include instrument familiarization; field-data collection and processing; real-time and post-differential correction; and GPS-GIS integration, and mapping of geo-positional date. Contact instructor to arrange group meeting times in spring semester.
CSS 6200: Spatial Modeling and Analysis
NOT OFFERED THIS YEAR. Spring. 3 credits. Prerequisites: CSS 4110, CSS 4200, equivalent, or permission of instructor. Lec, T R 9:05-9:55; lab, T W 1:25-4:25. S. DeGloria.
Theory and practice in the development, integration, and visualization of spatial data for resource inventory, environmental process modeling, land classification and evaluation. Emphasizes application and evaluation of advanced spatial analytical methods applied to environmental systems and databases of interest to the student.
CSS 6210: Applications of Space-Time Statistics
NOT OFFERED THIS YEAR. Spring. 2 credits. Prerequisites: BTRY 6010 or equivalent. S-U grades only. Offered alternate odd years; Next offered spring 2011 . Days/times TBD. H Van Es.
Introduction to space-time statistics with applications in agriculture and environmental management. Topics include geostatistics, temporal statistics, sampling, experimental design, state-space analysis, data mining, and fuzzy logic. Focuses on landscape-scale processes and a user's perspective.
CSS 6600: Remote Sensing Fundamentals (also CEE 6100)
Fall. 3 credits. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Lec, T R 11:40-12:55; lab, F 11:15-12:05, 12:20-1:10. W.D. Philpot.
Introduction to the principles, equipment, and methods used in obtaining information about earth resources and the environment from aircraft or satellite sensors. Topics include basic interactions of electromagnetic radiation with the earth, sensors, sensor and ground-data acquisition, data analysis and interpretation, and project design in the form of a proposal to use remote sensing for a specific application.
CSS 6740: Environmental Genomics
Spring. 2 credits. Offered alternate even years. Next offered 2009-2010. D. Buckley
Genomics opens new avenues for exploring interactions between oganisms and their environment. Through lectures and discussion of current research we will learn how genomic tools can provide insight on processes occurring at individual, population, and ecosystem scales that govern the response of biological systems to environmental change. Emphasis will be place don microbial systems, but this course will also be useful to those interested in the other applications of environmental genomics. The course will provide students with experience in writing and reviewing grant proposals by culminating in the creation of the short research proposals to be reviewed by the class in the style of an NSF panel.
CSS 6750: Modeling the Soil-Plant-Atmosphere System (also EAS 6750)
Spring. 3 credits. Prerequisite: CSS/EAS 4830 or equivalent. Offered alternate even years. Next offered 2011-2012. Lecs, T R 8:40-9:55. S.J. Riha.
Introduction to the structure and use of soil-plant-atmosphere models. Topics covered include modeling plant physiology, morphology, and development; potential crop production and crop production limited by moisture and nutrient availability; plant-plant competition; and land surface processes as well as model data requirements, validation and scale. Discusses use of soil-plant-atmosphere models for teaching, research, extension, and policy formation.
CSS 6943: Special Topics in Environmental Information Science
Fall or spring. 1-6 credits. S-U grades optional. Instructor TBD.
Study of topics in environmental science that are more specialized or different from other courses. Special topics covered depend on staff and student interests.
CSS 7920: Graduate-Level Research in Environmental Information Science
Fall or spring. Credit TBA. S-U grades only. Times TBA. Graduate faculty.
Dissertation research for Ph.D. students before A exam has been passed.
CSS 8910: Master's-Level Thesis Research in Environmental Information Science
Fall or spring. Credit TBA. S-U grades only. Graduate faculty.
Thesis research for master's students.
CSS 9920: Doctoral-Level Research in Environmental Information Science
Fall or spring. Credit TBA. S-U grades only. Times TBA. Graduate faculty.
Dissertation research for Ph.D. candidates after A exam has been passed.
CSS 1120: Microbes, the Earth, & Everthing (also BIOMI 1120)
Fall. 3 credits. Letter only. Lecs, M W 10:10-11:00; Lab, F 2:30-4:25. D. Buckley, E. Angert
We live on a microbial earth. If we happen to consider microbes in our daily lives most people conjure images of disease, but in reality we depend on microbes to sustain our world. This course will showcase the vast microbial world that hides in plain sight all around us and use microbial examples to explore both fundamental biological principles and the scientific method. Course modules will emphasize basic concepts from: evolution, molecular biology & genetics, diversity, and ecology. Learn about the tiny titans and miniature monsters that are the life support system of our planet, how they have shaped human civilizations, and how they reveal the unifying principles of life.
Fall. 4 credits. S-U grades optional. Lecs, M W F 9:05-9:55; Lab, M T W 1:25-4:25. J. Russell-Anelli.
Designed for students interested in a comprehensive introduction to soil science from both an environmental and plant management perspective. Divided into three units: (1) soil information unit introduces students to soil characterization, testing, mapping, classification, GIS, and land evaluation. (2) soil management unit addresses fertility, pest management, water, and microclimate, as well as erosion, conservation, pollution, and soil health. (3) unit on the role of soils in ecosystems considers topics such as biodiversity, soils as sinks and sources of greenhouse gases, and the impact of soils on land use. Labs are initially field-oriented with an emphasis on learning practical skills needed to evaluate and manage soils. Subsequent labs focus on accessing, interpreting, and applying soil information.
CSS 3210: Soil Management for Sustainability
Spring. 2 credits. H. van Es, J. Lehmann, J. Thies.
This course focuses on the principles underlying sustainable soil management for agricultural production and environmental protection, and the integrated perspectives related to water, nutrients, and organisms in soil. Management applications are discussed from both domestic and international perspectives. This course logically follows Introduction to Soil Science (CSS 2600) and is targeted towards students who want to gain practical knowledge on soil health management for agricultural production and environmental protection.
CSS 3620: Soil Morphology
NOT OFFERED THIS YEAR. Fall. 1 credit. Next offered Fall 2011. Prerequisite: undergraduates standing. Recommended for sophomores and juniors. One all-day field trip required. R 1:25-4:25. J. Russell-Anelli.
Presents the principles for field identification of soil properties, profiles, and landscapes. A series of soil pits are examined, described, classified, and interpreted in the field.
CSS 3630: Soil Genesis, Classification, and Survey
Fall. 4 credits. Prerequisite: CSS 2600. Lec, M W F 11:15-12:05;Lab, R 1:25-4:25. One all-day field trip required. J. Russell-Anelli.
Discusses factors and processes of soil formation on which soil survey is based. Practices principles of field identification, classification, survey, and interpretation in a field setting. Provides an overview of soil databases, their content, development, and use for site evaluation and land classification.
CSS 3650: Environmental Chemistry: Soil, Air, and Water
Spring. 3 credits. Prerequisites: CHEM 2070-2080 or CHEM 2060. Lec, M W F 10:10-11:00. M.B. McBride.
Overview of the chemistry of the biosphere, and biogeochemical processes that control the fluxes, concentrations, and bioavailability of essential elements and pollutants in soil, air, and water. Gives particular attention is given to soil's function as a filter for contaminants. Describes the history of environmental contamination by xenobiotics and heavy metals, with emphasis on behavior and properties of pollutants that pose the greatest risk to human and ecological health.
CSS 3720: Nutrient Management in Agroecosystems
Course has been discontinued. Undergrads enroll in CSS 4720.
CSS 4120: Whole-Farm Nutrient Management (also ANSC 4120)
Spring. 4 credit s. Prerequisite: AN SC 4110is preferred, but not required; junior, senior, or graduate standing. Lec, T R 11:15-12:05; Lab T 1:15-4:25. M. E. VanAmburgh, and Q. M. Ketterings.
For description, see ANSCI 4120.
CSS 4660: Soil Ecology (also HORT 4660)
Spring. 4 credits, with lab. Prerequisite: one year of biology or ecology or permission of instructor. Lec, T R 10:10-11:25; Lab W 1:25-4:25. J.E. Thies.
Discover the wonder of life underground. In this course, you will study the amazing diversity of soil organisms along with their multifaceted functions in terrestrial ecosystems. The fundamental principles and features of biologically-mediated processes in the soil and the functions of soil biota in both managed and unmanaged ecosystems will be highlighted. Special topics include: beneficial symbioses, biological control of plant pathogens, biogeochemistry of unique habitats, bioremediation and composting of organic wastes, among others. Laboratory focuses on molecular activities and traditional methods for assessing the abundance, activity, and diversity of soil organisms.
CSS 4720: Nutrient Management and Research in Agroecosystems
Spring. 4 credits. Prerequisite: CSS 2600 or permission of instructor. Graduate students should enroll in CSS 6720. Lec, T R 8:40-9:55; Lab, R 1:25-4:25. J. Lehmann.
Familiarizes students with the basic concepts of soil fertility and biogeochemistry and how soil and environmental properties affect nutrient availability and cycling. Discussion focuses on the way organic farming and soil conservation affect the fate of nutrients in agroecosystems. Emphasizes the way nutrient management can be improved without creating environmental hazards. Gives students hands-on training in analytical procedures and expand knowledge in discussion groups and through oral as well as poster presentations. The laboratory experiments conclude with a final paper.
CSS 4830: Environmental Biophysics (also EAS 4830)
NOT OFFERED THIS YEAR. Fall. 3 credits. Prerequisites: CSS 2600 or equivalent, calculus. Next Offered Fall 2011. H. van Es and S. J. Riha.
Discussion of energy and mass transfer in the soil-plant-atmosphere system, and their relevance to important environmental processes. Covers water, heat and gas flow, energy budgets, and nutrient dynamics. Discussion of management approaches to sustainable crop production, soil and water conservation, greenhouse gas mitigation, as well as research methods and instrument design for monitoring soil processes. Domestic and international perspectives are covered.
CSS 6630: Pedology
NOT OFFERED THIS YEAR. Spring. 3 credits. Prerequisite: CSS 3610 or permission of instructor. Lec, M W F 11:15-12:05. Next offered Spring 2012. J. Russell-Anelli.
Weathering, reactions, and processes of soil genesis; principles of soil classification and the rationale and utilization of soil taxonomy, development and significance of major groups of soils of the world.
CSS 6660: Applied Plant-Microbe Interactions
Fall. 3 credits. Prerequisite: CSS 4660 or equivalent, or permission of instructor. Lec, T R 10:10-11:30. Offered alternate years. Next offered Fall 2013. J.E. Thies.
This is a discussion-based course that focuses on the nature of microbial interactions with plants, and concentrates largely on bacterial and fungal associations. Students will investigate symbiotic, associative, and endophytic and pathogenic interactions. The main aim of this subject is to help the students improve their professional practice, within the content area. Students will learn to examine the primary literature, present research reports, write and review proposals, conduct a small independent research project, and report on the outcomes in conference and journal formats. Class discussions will explore the nature of the rhizosphere and phylioshere environments as a habitat for microorganisms and the ecology of the organisms residing there through readings in the primary literature. In laboratory, all students will conduct an independent research project, aligned with their interests, in which they develop testable hypotheses and conduct experiments using relevant, modern methods.
CSS 6690: Organic Matter--Soils, Sediments, and Waters
Spring. 3 credits. Prerequisites: CSS 2600 and CHEM 3570-3580 or equivalent. M W F 10:10-11:00. J.M. Duxbury.
Discussion of current concepts on the chemical nature, dynamics, and properties of natural organics and organo-mineral associations in terrestrial and aquatic environments. Includes a modeling project of soil carbon dynamics in natural or agricultural ecosystems.
CSS 6710: Soil Chemistry
Fall. 3 credits. Prerequisite: one year of physical chemistry or permission of instructor. Offered alternate years. Next offered Fall 2013. Lecs, M W F 10:10. M.B. McBride.
Detailed examination of the structure and surface chemistry of colloidal particles important to the function of soils. Emphasizes ion exchange; mineral-solution equilibria; and adsorption reactions of silicate clays, oxides, and organic matter. Describes the sorption behavior of environmental contaminants in soils, particularly metals and xenobiotics.
CSS 6720: Nutrient Cycling in Natural and Managed Ecosystems
NOT OFFERED THIS YEAR. Fall. 3 credits. Prerequisite: CSS 4720 or NTRES 3210 or BIOEE 4780, or permission of instructor. Offered alternate years; Next offered Fall 2011. Lec, T R 10:10-11:00; lab, R 1:25-4:25. J. Lehmann.
Covers nutrient cycling in soil and the interface between the soil and the biosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere. Examines the biogeochemistry of nutrient elements in natural ecosystems, disturbed or degraded ecosystems, and agricultural systems, including pollution in watersheds. Students develop independent projects, present a research proposal, and conduct field research that culminates in a presentation and a paper in publishable format.
CSS 6840: Topics in Soil Microbial Ecology
NOT OFFERED THIS YEAR. Fall. 1 credit. S/U grades. Offered alternate years. Next offered Fall 2011. D. Buckley
Seminar and discussion course dealing with current topics in soil microbial ecology including: community ecology and diversity, microbial biogeography, biogeochemistry, plant-microbe interactions, microbial feedbacks on plant communities, gene exchange and evolution in soils, soil microbial genomics, and relationships between structure and function of microbial communities in soil systems.]
CSS 6942: Special Topics in Soil Science
Fall, spring or summer. 1-6 credits. S-U grades optional.
Study of topics in soil science that are more specialized or different from other courses. Special topics covered depend on staff and student interests.
CSS 7900: Graduate-Level Dissertation Research in Soil Science
Fall or spring. Credit TBA. S-U grades only. Times TBA. Graduate faculty.
Dissertation research for Ph.D. students before A exam has been passed.
CSS 8920: Master's-Level Thesis Research in Soil Science
Fall or spring. Credit TBA. S-U grades only. Times TBA. Graduate faculty.
Thesis research for master's students.
CSS 9900: Doctoral-Level Dissertation Research in Soil Science
Fall or spring. Credit TBA. S-U grades only. Times TBA. Graduate faculty.
Dissertation research for Ph.D. candidates after A exam has been passed.
General Courses:CSS 1900: Sustainable Agriculture
Fall. 3 credits. Limited to 60 students. S-U grades optional. Lec, T R 10:10-11:00; Lab, T W 1:25-4:25. G. W. Fick.
Concerns food, farming, and the future. Designed to introduce basic food production resources in the context of the human aspects of farming. The information is of general value for nonmajors and students new to the field. Several field trips enhance appreciation for the diversity of agriculture. Students can earn 1 extra credit by participating in team preparation and delivery of a lesson in sustainable agriculture.
CSS 2940: Introduction to Agricultural Machinery (also AGSCI/HORT 2940)
Fall. 2 credits. A. DiTommaso and B. Flannigan.
This course is an overview of agricultural machinery used in the production of field crops. Information will be presented in a lecture and field laboratory format, stressing “hands-on” equipment demonstrations and use, particularly of tractors. Successful completion will provide a broad understanding of agricultural machinery operation and design rationale.
CSS 3800: Organic Food and Agriculture (also AGSCI/HORT 3800)
Fall. 3 or 4 credits. Prerequisites: CSS 2900, CSS 2600, HORT 1101 recommended, or permission of instructor. Lec, M W 2:55-4:10; Lab, F 1:25-4:25. A. DiTommaso.
Discussion of techniques and methods of organic food production, including vegetables, orchard crops, grains and animal systems. Critically evaluate relevant issues that affect the environment, consumers, and the industry. Optional labs includes interaction with experts, field trips to farms, and living laboratory at Dilmun Hill.
CSS 4910: Food, Farming, and Personal Believe (also IARD 4910)
Spring. 1 credit. Prerequisites: CSS 1900 recommended, or equivalent. Disc, R 2:30-3:20. G.W. Fick.
Reading and discussion course focusing on the relationship between agricultural sustainability and religious faith, especially the linkage between the motivation to adopt practices of sustainability and personal value systems of farmers and consumers. Principles of scientific agriculture are examined with the holistic view of sustainable development.
CSS 4940: Special Topics in Crop and Soil Sciences (undergraduate level)
Fall or spring. 1-4 credits. S-U grades optional.
The department teaches trial courses under this number. Offerings vary by semester, and will be advertised by the department before the semester begins. Courses offered under this number will be approved by the department curriculum committee, and the same course is not offered more than twice under this number.
CSS 4970: Individual Study in Crop and Soil SciencesFall or spring. 1-6 credits. S-U grades optional. Students must register with an Independent Study form (available in 140 Roberts Hall).
Topics in soil science, crop science, or environmental information science are arranged at the beginning of the semester for individual study or for group discussions.
CSS 4980: Teaching Experience in Crop and Soil Sciences
Fall or spring. 1-5 credits. S-U grades optional. Students must register using independent study form (available in 140 Roberts Hall). optional.
Teaching experience in soil science, crop science, or environmental information science is obtained by assisting in the instruction of a departmental course. This course should not be taken by teaching assistants.
CSS 4990: Undergraduate Research
Fall or spring. Credit TBA. S-U grades optional. Students must register using independent study form (available in 140 Roberts Hall).
Independent research on current problems selected from any phase of crop science, soil science, or environmental information science.
CSS 6900: Scientific Method in Practices
Spring. 1 credit. S-U. Open to Juniors, Seniors and Graduate Students. Lec, TBA. H.G. Gauch, Jr., G.W. Fick
Students in this course study Hugh Gauch's book, Scientific Method in Practice, which is designed to help scientists become better scientists through deeper understanding of common themes that extend across the disciplines. Topics include the history and philosophy of science, reliance on evidence, deductive and inductive logic, probability, parsimony, and hypothesis testing.
CSS 6960: Seminar: Organic Inputs in Tropical Soils and Agroforestry (also NTRES/IARD 6960)
Fall and spring. 1 credit. S-U grades only. Lec, W 12:20-1:10. L. Buck, L. Fisher, P. Hobbs.
A variety of speakers present seminars on agroecological perspectives for primarily international sustainable development. Students are required to prepare a synopsis of each seminar.
CSS 6970: Seminar in Crop and Soil Sciences
Fall and spring. 1 credit. S-U grades only. Lec, R 12:20-1:10. Staff.
Covers current research and selected topics in the crop and soil sciences and related fields.
CSS 6980: Graduate Teaching or Extension Experience
Fall and spring. 1-12 credits. S-U grades only. Prerequisite: permission of instructor; graduate standing . Undergraduates should register under CSS 4980.
Planning and teaching courses or extension programs under the supervision of departmental faculty. This may include lectures, laboratories, discussion sessions, workshops, in-service training events, etc.
CSS 7970: Graduate Individual Study in CSS
Fall and spring. 1-6 credits. S-U grades only.